If you suspect you or your child has an ingrown toenail without bleeding or pus drainage, you may be able to treat this at home. Ingrown toenails that are bleeding or draining pus have broken the skin and need professional treatment.

For self-treatment, follow the step-wise approach below:

Soak the toe in warm water with Epsom salt with a ratio of 1 tablespoon of Epsom Salt per 1 gallon of water. Do this for 15 minutes once daily.

Manipulate the skin of the toe that is immediately next to the ingrowing part of nail, Hold the skin away from the nail plate for one minute. Repeat this once in the morning and once at night.

Using a simple cloth band-aid, apply one arm of the band-aid to the skin next to the ingrown part of the nail. Wrap the band-aid around the bottom of the toe and fasten it to the top of the toe away from the nail. Use this technique to keep the skin away from the nail for extended periods of time such as through your work day or during sleep.

The toenail pain should improve within 2-3 days. If it isn't significantly improved by 5 days, see a Podiatrist for professional treatment. In or near Mesa, Arizona,schedule an appointment with Dr. Clement.